National Briefing | Plains: Oklahoma: U.S. May Intervene In Head-Scarf Suit

By Steve Barnes (NYT)

Published: April 15, 2004

The Department of Justice may intervene in a lawsuit brought by an 11-year-old Muslim girl after the Muskogee public schools twice suspended her for wearing a head scarf, a federal judge ruled. A brief filed by the department said a school district policy banning head coverings in class violated the religious beliefs of the girl, Nashala Hearn, and should be amended. Nashala, who is also seeking $80,000 in damages from the school district, has been allowed to return to classes and wear her head scarf pending resolution of the case. Judge Frank H. Seay has yet to rule on a petition by the school district to dismiss the case. Steve Barnes (NYT)